Fall River teen arrested for striking child with car

Police in Fall River have arrested a suspect in connection with striking a child with his vehicle outside the Burlington Coat Factory on Sunday.

At approximately 6 p.m. on Sunday, Fall River Police Officer Kevin Lopes along with several other Fall River Police Units were dispatched to 181 Mariano S. Bishop Blvd in regards to a motor vehicle accident involving a child.

Upon arrival, Officer Lopes observed a large crowd outside of the Burlington Coat Factory and was notified that the suspect vehicle was attempting to flee the scene. Officer Lopes observed Officer Lawrence Ferreira rendering first aid to the victim while Officer Michael Tetrault was attempting to stop the suspect vehicle.

With the assistance of several witnesses, the suspect vehicle was stopped and the operator, 19-year-old David Fernandes was taken into custody.

The victim and his family were walking on the sidewalk when the suspect vehicle pulled out of its parking space and mounted the curb and continued to drive towards them. Several adults avoided the on-coming vehicle to include a baby carriage, however; a 7-year-old boy was struck by the vehicle and pushed towards the building.

After several seconds the vehicle is seen going in reverse and striking multiple parked vehicles and then attempted to flee the scene.

There were no occupants in the parked vehicles and the only injury was to the 7-year old child who suffered non-life threatening injuries to his right leg and was transported to Hasbro Children’s Hospital.

David Fernandes of Fall River was placed under arrest for the following charges: (1) OUI Drugs (2) Operating a M/V with Suspended/Revoked License (3) Negligent Operation of a motor vehicle (4) Leaving the Scene after Personal Injury (5) Assault and battery with a Dangerous Weapon.